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Congo's word sorcerer Baloji tackles all sorts of black magic mysticism in this clip for "Karibu Ya Bintou" ("Welcome To Life In Limbo"). He's joined on the track by the junkyard electronic sounds of Konono Nº1. The Kinshasa-streets video features plenty skull masks, open-trunk hopping, and local pro-wrestling. Baloji's upcoming Kinshasa Succursale LP is out Nov. 14 via Crammed.
As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far.
These are the lines that have woken imaginations and stirred souls across the continent and beyond.
OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.
OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.
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